People who wear their religion on their sleeves talk a lot about going to Sunday school, reading the Bible, and doing good works. And I suppose there's no harm in that. But if I'd gone to the trouble to pull all this together ... and people never paid any attention to it, never bothered to try to find out how the world worked, then I think I'd get annoyed.

But, come to think of it, there was no need to wait. Time travelers don't have to wait for anybody.

Technological civilizations don't last long. You're all right until you get a printing press. Then a race starts between technology and common sense. And maybe technology always wins.

Talking with most people usually involves a search for truth. Talking with congressmen is strictly special effects.

The secret to a successful career in virtually any field is good public relations. Forget results. Forget the facts. Perception is all that matters.

An optimist is somebody who thinks our various political and social systems, schools and churches, support groups and Boy Scout troops, jury trials and congressional committees, are on the up-and-up. That they are intended for the benefit of the members. The reality is that they are designed to keep everyone in line.

Show me what a people admire, and I will tell you everything about them that matters.